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I am a college student, aspiring IT guy studying databases. I am trying to make a database for a company who creates hermetically sealed connectors. I plan on using Filemaker pro 9 to eventually develop the database but right now I am trying to create an ERD. Currently they are using an old legacy Dbase2 non-relational database, non-networked database, which they back up to floppies and share among a few computers where they access the database.

So you can see how this networked, relational database is going to be a big improvement, if done right. The scope of the database will be limited to the order entry process, and keeping track of inventory.

My vision is to have a customer call in to place an order for lets say 50 part X. The employee will take the order, and the database will check current inventory, and tell the employee we have 25 part X in stock, we need to create additional 25 part X to complete order.

It will then check to see which components are needed to make part X, and check the current component inventory, then give a similar breakdown of available components / components needed.

It will also handle general billing, shipping, and keep track of suppliers who supply components when they are needed for reorder.

So with this in mind, I was wondering if you experts out there could look at the general ERD and tell me if the relationships look correct, and I have the appropriate tables needed to make my vision come to life. I am about 75% through with reading Database Design for Mere Mortals by Michal J. Hernandez and about 35% into FileMaker Pro 9 The Missing Manual. I want to do this thing right before I start actually creating forms and the-such. Many, many thanks!!!

Relationships

One - Many
A customer can make one or more orders.
An order can only be made by one customer.

One - Many
An order can only have one shipping method.
A shipping method can be associated with many orders.

Many - Many
A person can order one or more parts.
A part can be associated with one or more orders.

Many - Many
A part consists of many components.
A component can be used in the creation of many parts.

One - Many
A series can be associated with many different parts.
A part can only be associated with one series.

One - Many
A type of part can be associated with many different parts.
A part can only be of one type.

Many - Many
A supplier can supply one or more components.
A component can have one or more suppliers.